Boyzone front man Ronan Keating splits with wife

One of Ireland's most popular pop singers, Ronan Keating (33), has officially separated from his wife Yvonne Keating (36).

The news of the split has made frontpage headlines in Ireland. The Keatings dated for only a few months before they eloped together 12 years ago.

The couple issued a statement on Keating's website which described the split as amicable. The Keating's said they "will continue to work together in order to provide the best for their children."

Keating's former manager, Louis Walsh, said he knew nothing of the separation.

"I’m completely shocked. I hope they sort it out and get back together,” said Walsh.

Some tabloid newspapers have reported that Keating was cheating on his wife.

A source for an Irish tabloid said that Yvonne did not tolerate Keating’s infidelities, "Yvonne was heartbroken, but she made her mind up on the spot. The cracks were there already, but this was the final straw. She isn't the sort of person to forgive and forget. Ronan has accepted her decision."

There is speculation that Keating was cheating with a backing dancer on the new Boyzone tour.

"It was during these nights away from home that he's thought to have strayed. It's a lonely existence being on tour with lots of late nights. Sadly, the temptation proved too much," said the source.

Keating became a household name when he rose to fame as a member of the famous boy band.

Keating pursued a solo career following the band’s split several years ago. Keating sold over 22 million records as a solo artist and is listed in the Guinness book of world records as the only artist to date to have 30 consecutive top ten singles in the UK charts.

Keating released hit records such as "When You Say Nothing at All," which featured in the film “Notting Hill,” and "Life is a Rollercoster."

Keating's best friend and band mate Stephen Gately died last year in Spain.
He recently confirmed that he was to feature as a judge in Australia's “X Factor.”